The assets test free area is the amount of assets above which allowances are not paid and pensions are reduced.

The assets test free areas will increase to:

$250,000 for a single homeowner

$375,000 for a homeowner couple

$450,000 for a single non-homeowner

$575,000 for a non-homeowner couple

Pensioners will be subject to a new taper rate of $3 for every $1,000 above the new assets test free areas.

If you lose your pension on 1 January 2017 you will automatically get a Health Care Card. Those over age pension age will also get a Commonwealth Seniors Health Card. These cards will be permanently exempt from the usual income test requirements.

FAQs from the Department of Human Services

Who does this measure affect

From 1 January 2017 the changes will affect all pensioners who are assets tested, or who are currently income tested but become asset tested.

Customers receiving or applying for an allowance will have a higher assets threshold.

This measure will also affect the means test assessment for aged care fee purposes.

Who is eligible for this measure

These changes will affect all pensioners who are, or who become, assets tested.

From 1 January 2017 customers receiving or applying for an allowance will have a higher assets threshold. This means more people will qualify for an allowance.